What does "come down from the cross" reveal about Jesus' mission? The Mocking Cry at Calvary “ ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!’ ” (Matthew 27:40) A Misunderstood Messiah • The crowd expected a political liberator—someone who would wield visible power. • Their demand to “come down” revealed a mindset that measured divinity by immediate displays of strength, not sacrificial love (cf. John 6:15). • In taunting Him, they unwittingly echoed satanic temptation: “If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). The adversary always urges shortcuts that bypass the Father’s plan. Why Jesus Stayed on the Cross • Obedience to the Father – “Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). • Fulfillment of prophecy – Psalm 22:7–8 foretold the very ridicule being hurled; Isaiah 53:5 required the suffering to secure our peace. • Atonement for sin – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • Demonstration of love – “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). • Victory through weakness – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Divine Restraint, Not Powerlessness • Jesus possessed the authority to leave the cross: “Do you think I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). • He chose voluntary sacrifice: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18). • True kingship is displayed in restraint for the sake of redemption. Scripture Fulfilled in Real Time • Psalm 22:16–18 describes pierced hands and feet, casting lots for clothing—details realized at Golgotha. • Isaiah 53:12 foretells being “numbered with the transgressors,” matching His placement between two criminals (Luke 23:33). • The mockers inadvertently confirmed Jesus as the promised Suffering Servant. The Cross: Centerpiece of the Mission • Remaining on the cross secured the atonement our sin demanded. • His immovable resolve reveals the depth of divine love and the seriousness of human sin. • By not coming down, Jesus completed the work the Father gave Him; His later resurrection would vindicate that obedience and open the way to life for all who believe (Romans 4:25). |
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